At least 37 people are killed and 200 are injured after a fire destroys a camp containing Burmese refugees near Ban Mae, Thailand.
On 22 March 2013, a fire at the Ban Mae Surin refugee camp in Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand, killed 37 Karen refugees from neighbouring Myanmar, as well as destroying hundreds of dwellings. Thought to have started following a "cooking accident", the fire began at around 16:00 local time (09:00 GMT), and extinguished around two hours later. The fire had been spread by hot weather combined with strong winds.The current death toll for the fire is 37, comprising 21 men and 16 women. Of these, 35 were killed directly, while two others died in the following days. The majority of victims were burned to death, while others were suffocated. The death toll had previously been reported to be as high as 62, though this was later revised. Various sources have also reported "at least 100" and "over 200" other injured people.The fire destroyed hundreds of makeshift bamboo huts at the camp, as well as the camp's medical clinic, hospital, and two food warehouses. At least 2,300 people were left without shelter following the fire, and were subsequently accommodated in tents. Food, shelter, and clothing is being provided by the International Rescue Committee, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Jesuit Refugee Service, and the International Organisation for Migration, as well as other aid groups.